Sairaj Bahutule quits as bowling coach at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

Former India and Mumbai leg spinner, Sairaj Bahutule, who worked as the bowling coach at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has resigned from his post citing personal reasons. He had been working in his role at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for three years now. 

The 52-year-old has also occasionally served as Indian team’s bowling coach under former head coach Rahul Dravid and NCA head VVS Laxman. When there was a shift in the coaching setup of the Indian team right after the T20 World Cup 2024 win, Bahutule acted as the interim bowling coach before BCCI appointed former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel for the position. 

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At the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, he helped several young cricketers to develop their game. He was more inclined towards focusing on grassroots development. The veteran confirmed his stepping down from the role to The Times of India. He reasoned the decision came out of personal need and thanked former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, head coach Rahul Dravid and Laxman for the opportunity. 

“Yes, I have quit the COE due to personal/family reasons. I am thankful to former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, BCCI, Rahul Dravid (previous head of COE) and VVS (current head of COE) for giving me the opportunity to work with India’s top spinners across formats. I was with the India/India A and India Under-19 teams in at least in 20 series/tours. I thoroughly enjoyed my three-year tenure at the NCA/COE, and my services as a bowling coach will forever be available for the BCCI," Bahutule said from Bengaluru.

It is worth noting that Bahutule played two Tests and eight ODIs for India in his six-year-long international career running from 1997 to 2003. Though his international career did not blossom his first-class career is well decorated. He played 188 first-class matches, picking up 630 wickets.